First-time MPs from the southern states of India bring with them their distinct experiences, perspectives and issues faced by people in their regions, adding to the rich diversity and democracy of Parliament. The Sunday Standard brings you a report of their journey so far.
CPI-CPI(M)
C N Jayadevan (64)
Thrissur, Kerala; CPI
Started as a student activist with the leftist unions’ SFI and AIYF. Was also the district secretary of his party and MLA from 1996-2001.
Issues raised till now
Has participated in the budget discussions; highlighted issues related to price rise, aganwadis workers. Has asked over three dozen questions ranging from FYUP, environment, dams, education, FDI, SEZ, railway fare.
Preparing for Parliament
His earlier stint as MLA has helped, apart from taking help from his parliamentary party officials, senior party leaders in Rajya Sabha, D Raja, M P Achuthan.
Moments to savour
Harmony witnessed in Parliament, where MPs from different parties and regions sat together and discussed issues.
New friends
Has interacted with Tamil Nadu MPs and also Trinamool MPs.
Vision for the future
Get a railway overbridge over the Guruvayoor temple. Develop tourist facilities and greater job security for aganwadi workers.
P K Sreemathi ( 65)
Kannur Kerala, CPM
A teacher by profession, Sreemathi has been an active political and social worker for over three decades. She was the Health and Family Welfare Minister of Kerala from 2006 to 2011. She is the All India Democratic Women's Association State secretary and CPM National Committee Member.
Issues raised till now
Major projects in Kerala—Kannur airport, development of National Highways, upgradation of Malabar Cancer Centre, inclusion of handlooms into MNREGA, endosulfan issue.
Preparing for Parliament
Seeks advice from seniors leaders, spends time researching online and reading inside the Parliament library.
Moments to savour
Waiting for a memorable one.
New Friends
Made friends with other MPs.
Vision for the future
To represent her constituency.
TDP
Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu (27)
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam Party
Born in a political family, Ram Mohan Naidu graduated in science, electrical engineering and has a MBA from the United States. His Lok Sabha seat was earlier represented by his father former Union Minister Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu
Issues raised till now
Problems faced by Andhra Pradesh after the bifurcation.
Preparing for parliament
Seeks guidance from senior members in the party, makes use of the Parliament library.
Moment to savour
Entering the Parliament for the first time as a member.
New Friends
Interacted with new parliamentarians from different parties.
Vision for the future
To raise issues of his constituency and the country.
NCP
P P Mohammed Faizal (39)
Lakshdweep; NCP Holds an MBA degree, has worked in various student and youth wings of party founded by K K Mohammed Koya from the island. The outfit finally merged in NCP.
Issues raised till now
Problems of connectivity that islands face; tourism sector in Lakshdweep; has demanded comprehensive health insurance for people of his area.
Preparing for Parliament
Sought advice from senior leaders Tariq Anwar, Supriya Sule, M Ramachandran and senior MPs from the UDF and the LDF as they speak Malayam.
Moments to savour
Issues of common man being raised in House.
New friends
Interacted with young, first-time MPs
Vision for the future
Wants to develop tourism; infrastructure, trade, cruise tourism in Lakshdweep.
Independent
Joice George (44)
Idukki, Kerala; Independent
A social work and law graduate, he started off as a student activist, later fighting cases for migrants in his home district. He contested as an Independent, but was supported by the Left.
Issues raised till now
Asked a question on the very first day. Since then has received answers to 40 questions covering environment, tribals, tourism and hospitals. Also spoke on problems arising out of a report on Western Ghats.
Preparing for Parliament
Experience practising law in Kerala High Court helped him draft questions and speeches. Reads a lot.
Moments to savour
Journey from a remote village to the highest democratic forum of the country as he spoke in Parliament for the first time on hardship faced by people due to implementation of western ghat report.
New friends
Interacts with other lawyer-turned MPs like Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool.
Vision for the future
Wants to launch a programme for his constituency by engaging with school and colleges so that five IAS officers are selected from there in the next five years.
AIADMK
C Gopalkrishnan (53)
Niligris, Tamil Nadu; AIADMK
He has been with party for three decades and was chairman of Coonoor Municipality till Chief Minister Jayalalitha chose him to fight scam-tainted DMK candidate A Raja. Besides being a lawyer, he also has a double M.Phil in Sociology and Entrepreneurship.
Issues raised till now
All related to his constituency and state. Raised the issue of maintenance of National Highway 67; corrective measures for fixing MSP of green leaf tea for small tea growers and providing subsidised fertilizer to vegetable farmers.
Preparing for Parliament
Benefitted from the orientation programme run by the Lok Sabha.
Moments to savour
Was apprehensive about language when first arrived in Delhi, but presence of so many MPs from South India in the House was reassuring.
New friends
Made friends not just with MPs from across the states but also with Lok Sabha officials who have been very helpful.
Vision for the future
Will utilise his position to develop his constituency and state. Will also seek revival of Hindustan Photo Films.
R K Bharathi Mohan (47)
Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu; AIADMK
He was earlier a MLA for five years, after which CM Jayalalitha asked him to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Lists agriculture as his profession.
Issues raised till now
Development of agriculture production, extension of rail route between Mayiladuthurai and Tharangambadi to Karaikkal, completion of Kumbakonam to Virudhachalam broad gauge railway line and extension of double railway track from Trichy to Thanjavur upto Kumbakonam.
Preparing for Parliament
Benefitted from orientation programme conducted by Lok Sabha secretariat. Sought help from senior and other party colleagues.
Moments to savour
Entering the Parliament for the first time to see many MPs from the South India.
New friends
Has been interacting with MPs from other states and parties. Slowly building up acquaintances. Found Lok Sabha secretariat staff very helpful and friendly.
Vision for the future
Aims to work for the state and his constituency. Will focus on issues raised by Puratchi Thalaivi Amma.
Congress
B V Nayak (47)
Raichur, Karnataka; Congress
Won the election by merely 1,500 votes. Earlier, this seat has been represented four times by his father. A law graduate, he also runs his own business.
Issues raised till now
Has asked over 60 questions related to fertilizers, food security, rape victims, construction of new airports, cyber security, climate change.
Preparing for Parliament
Seeks advice from senior parliamentarians; consults the well-stocked Parliament library and goes through the old Parliament papers.
Moments to Savour
When he asked his first question.
New friends
Interacted with MPs from across India.
Vision for the future
To raise issues of his constituency and state.
TRS
Kadiam Srihari ( 64)
Warangal, Telangana, Telangana Rashtra Samithi
A lecturer by profession, Srihari joined the Telugu Desam Party in 1987 at the behest of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). Served as minister in united Andhra Pradesh government. Joined TRS in 2013.
Issues raised till now
All related to Telangana such as the 4000 MW power plant in state, a new tribunal for sharing Krishna waters, declaring Pranahita-Chevella project as a national project.
Preparing for Parliament
Read a lot on policies, issues before constituency.
Moments to savour
Being congratulated after his maiden speech.
New friends
Getting to know lot of young MPs.
Vision for the future
To develop his constituency.
YSR Congress
Butta Renuka (42)
Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, YSR Congress
Renuka is the wife of Hyderabad-based businessman Neelakanthappa, and the couple owns the Butta Group which is into hospitality, education, branded retail and automobile sectors. A successful business woman, Renuka played a key role in establishing the Meridian Schools in Hyderabad. She was born into a backward class weavers’ community.
Issues raised till now
Related to Andhra Pradesh such as railways, power, urban development.
Preparing for Parliament
Seeks guidance from senior leaders, reads extensively about the problems of her constituency and current issues.
Moments to savour
Taking the oath as a Member of Parliament and her parents being present at the ceremony.
New friends
Supriya Sule
Vision for the future
To develop her constituency and improve the quality of life of the people.